Microsoft launches public cloud services from local data centres

Redmond-based technology major Microsoft on Tuesday launched its public cloud services from local data centres which will aid business and organisations to fuel inclusive growth and spur innovation.

As part of the new launch, Microsoft will inaugurate three data centres - Chennai, Pune and Mumbai - in the country. The new centres will start operations after the facility is inaugurated by the respective state chief ministers - J Jayalalithaa and Devendra Fadnavis - on Tuesday.

"Governments, large businesses, small and medium businesses (SMBs) and citizens can use the massive computing power now available locally to fuel India's inclusive growth, spur innovation and accelerate digital transformation," Tyler Bryson, general manager, marketing and operations, Microsoft India, said.

"More organisations and governments will adopt the public cloud which will open up more opportunities for Microsoft," he added explaining the launch.

Market research firm Gartner claims that the public cloud market will be at $838 million by end of 2015, an increase of 33 percent over 2014, and finally reach $2 billion by 2018.

It also adds that the Indian government spending will go up to $6.88 billion by end of 2015, an increase of 5.2 percent over 2014.

The research firm also said that more than 60 percent of all banks will process majority of their transactions on the cloud.

A public cloud is based on the standard cloud computing model, in which a service provider makes resources, such as applications and storage, available to the general public over the internet. Public cloud services may be free or offered on a pay-per-usage model.

The cloud services launched includes Microsoft Azure services, dynamics customer relationship management (CRM) online suite and Office 365. "While Office 365 services are slated for availability in October 2015, dynamics CRM online services will follow in the first half of 2016," Tyler said.